Change Project trainers upskill to offer new activities

Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) Change Project recently added seven newly qualified trainers specialising in yoga, gym stick and Pilates to its ranks thanks to state government funding support.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio and TRC Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon presented graduation certificates to the seven trainers who participated in the Change Project’s INVIGOR8 TR initiative.

Mayor Antonio said Council appreciated state government’s funding provided through the ActiveKIT program that helped upskill the seven trainers.

“The new trainers will expand the classes offered through our Change Project and offer additional activities for residents to join from the end of April,” Mayor Antonio said.

“We know how important it is be more active to improve our physical and mental health. The new trainers and classes will help us offer residents extra healthy lifestyle and recreation choices.”

Cr McMahon said the INVIGOR8 TR initiative allowed five trainers to complete the mandatory 200 hours’ training to become qualified yoga instructors, with another completing her instructor course for gym stick and one instructor also eligible to offer Pilates.

“I’m delighted to present our new trainers with their graduation certificates and also acknowledge our entire Change Project team,” Cr McMahon said.

“Our new trainers will join our Change Project community of 60 providers who deliver around 100 classes each week across the Region to more than 40,000 participants.

“Two of the upskill recipients are current Change Project providers who have expanded their qualifications and can increase the number of courses they can run.

“It’s exciting to see the Change Project continuing to grow and offer more affordable and accessible opportunities for residents to lead healthy and active lives.

“Our award-winning Change Project has scores of low-cost or free activities and programs to help residents make simple, but effective lifestyle improvements.

“To join a class or find what’s available in your area, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/change  or pick up a healthy and active directory from your local library or customer service centre.”

Background

ActiveKIT is a new initiative under the Activate! Queensland 2019 – 2029 Strategy providing up to $4.34 million in targeted funding.

The ActiveKIT initiative is being delivered in collaboration with Health and Wellbeing Queensland.

Caption: Cr Tim McMahon (left), Change Project course provider Jane Hodgkinson and Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio at the INVIGOR8 TR graduation.